Date: Thu, 18 Feb 2010 13:13:56 -0800 (PST)
From: Jason Gardham
Subject: "Benjamin and Me" Chapter 14
Author: J. Gardham
gardham1@yahoo.com
This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself
in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in
this story that isn't pure imagination.
"Benjamin and Me"
Chapter 14
A beautiful fall day had dawned in Berlin, Dave and Bill were leaving their
Archeology class together discussing what it might have been like
discovering a hidden tomb in Gaza. Bill was saying he believed there were
possibly Mayan and Aztec cities hidden in the jungles of Central and South
American. "Dave, the jungle growth is so rapid in that part of the world
that entire cities and structures can be lost to overgrowth in just months
if not weeks".
They continued their leisurely walk kicking up brightly colored leaves
engrossed in their conversation when they heard a moan coming from between
two of the campus buildings. Dave asked Bill if he heard something, "it
sounds like someone's hurt". The old buildings were built so close
together they had to slip between them single file, with the buildings
shutting out the sunlight it was difficult to see. Moving slowly Bill's
foot nudged something on the ground, kneeling down he saw there was a man
lying in the dirt, obviously hurt.
Holding on to Dave's hand to steady himself Bill stepped over the body
placing his feet between the man's legs. Bill lifted his legs as Dave
reached under the man's arms and they were able to lift and drag him from
between the buildings. Laying the man in the grass just beyond the
buildings they did a quick check to see how badly he was injured.
"Dave I think we need to get him to the hospital, he looks pretty bad".
"No, please I just need some water, don't take me to the hospital". Dave
pulled a bottle of water from his backpack and held it to the guy's mouth
letting him take a few sips. Bill introduced himself and Dave and asked
who he was and what happened to him.
In very heavily accented English he said, "My name is Ponso and I work for
Dr. Anzel as his assistant,... is Dr. Anzel alright?" Dave said, "we only
found you there isn't anyone else here". Putting his hands over his eyes
Ponso said, "they must have kidnapped him, I have to find him. Ponso tried
to stand but fell back to the ground, Bill placed his jacket beneath his
head. "Ponso we have to get you some medical help, you're not going
anyplace in your condition, and the police need to be told about your
assault and the possible kidnapping of your friend Dr. Anzel".
"You don't understand the police can't become involved". "If you'll help
me to the apartment were we were staying I have some medical supplies and
can care for myself".
Dave and Bill looked at each other not sure what to do, they knew Ponso
needed more medical attention then he could manage for himself, and they
were suspicious of his unwillingness to involve the police.
Bill made the decision to call his dad at the hospital and gave him a quick
assessment of the situation telling him he and Dave were bringing Ponso to
their house and would explain why later. Glen told Bill his shift was
ending in fifteen minutes and he'd be home as quickly as possible.
Once they were home they laid Ponso on the sofa and cleaned as much dried
blood and dirt off as they dared. Glen came rushing in and did a thorough
exam and gave Ponso a Tetanus shot to be on the safe side. After Ponso's
wounds were dressed and he was sitting up David said it was time for Ponso
to explain why he didn't want the police involved, and why his friend had
been kidnapped.
Looking a lot better than he had a couple of hours earlier Ponso went on to
explain that Dr. Anzel was a leading archeologists from Sao Paulo, Brazil
who had been working in Peru when he stumbled across a temple that had been
hidden by the jungle overgrowth for hundreds of years. With the help of
Ponso they cleared a path to an opening that was covered by a huge round
stone that resembled a wheel. Thinking they would need several men to move
the stone away Dr. Anzel started to map out the location so he could find
his way back with more help. Ponso said he walked to the stone and pushed
with his bare hands and surprisingly the stone begin to roll away. With
the help of Dr. Anzel they were able to push the stone away from the
entrance.
They entered a long corridor with a ceiling that appeared to be at least
twenty feet high.. Approximately every ten feet there were touches set
into the stone wall, Ponso tried lighting one and was surprised that the
oil was still flammable. Lighting the torches as they walked down the long
hall Dr. Anzel was almost overwhelmed by the beauty of the paintings that
lined the entire length of the walls on both sides. It was obvious this
temple hadn't been touched since the sealing stone had been rolled in front
of the opening.
"As we entered larger rooms there were tables inlaid with gold and precious
gems". "Dr. Anzel dusted off a small section of one table and told me not
to touch the others, he said he needed to bring special equipment in that
could be used for cleaning without the risk of damaging these beautiful
artifacts". "The walls here were much higher reaching almost to 30 feet
and completely covered with pictographs of winged men who were much larger
than the native people that were working and living in the surrounding
area". "It appeared from the wall frescos that the larger winged men and
the natives lived and worked together in harmony". "Dr. Anzel and I
continued to follow the corridors for at least another one hundred and
fifty feet before entering a huge square chamber with each wall measuring
at least five hundred feet in length". "In the center of one wall stood a
pedestal with a tall obelisk that appeared to be glowing". At
this point Bill interrupted Ponso to ask if the obelisk appeared to be
glowing or was it actually glowing.
Ponso continued by saying it was actually glowing but we couldn't find a
source for the light. "There was a raised dais behind the pedestal that
was three steps higher and on the wall behind the dais was another
beautiful wall painting of a winged man standing before a night sky showing
the constellations and a true configuration of the Milk Way Galaxy". "The
wonder of it was that it appeared to be an exact replica of our galaxy and
somehow embedded into the stone wall". "The winged man was, or at least we
thought it was a painting, but the depiction of the galaxy appeared
different, as if a photo had been taken and then somehow embedded into the
wall, it was like you were actually outside looking into the night sky".
"The entire thing was quite unbelievable".
Dave spoke up asking how Dr. Anzel and he happened to be in Berlin and why
would someone kidnap Dr. Anzel? "Dr. Anzel and I rolled the stone back
into place and returned to Sao Paulo where Dr. Anzel contacted an
archeologist in New York, a Dr. Fassil who is curator of the museum of
Archeology in New York City". "Dr. Fassil was very excited about
Dr. Anzel's discovery and had a private jet send to Sao Paulo and we were
brought here where we were to meet him at the university". "We were
heading to the university archeology department when we were attacked and
Dr. Anzel was dragged away toward a black limousine, I tried to fight back
but was beaten by three large men who were obviously body guards for
whoever kidnapped Dr. Anzel, then you found me, and now you know what I
know".
Bill sat back in his chair considering all he had heard before asking, "why
don't you want the police to help find Dr. Anzel?" "Because Bill we are in
your country without papers, we were flown here in a privately owned jet
which landed not too far from Berlin, we were driven to an apartment and
told to meet Dr. Fassil at the university the following day, which is
today, unfortunately we never made it that far.
Glen asked, "but why would Dr. Fassil want to meet you and Dr. Anzel here?"
"According to Dr. Fassil there is an archeologist who teaches here by the
name of Dr. Hallsworth who would have information that would be helpful in
identifying ancient artifacts. Both David and Bill said, "Dr. Gordon
Hallsworth?" "Yes, yes, that is the name we were given". Dave said,
"Dr. Hallsworth is our archeology instructor".
Bill suggested they wait until evening when everyone was home to discuss
the matter further. Ponso was anxious to get started but Glen managed to
convenience him to wait until plans could be made in order to decide which
direction to take action in. There was nothing to be gained by running off
not knowing in which direction to search.
Later that evening with Thomas, Benjamin, and the rest gathered in the
living room it was decided that the first person they needed to speak to
would be Bill and Dave's archeology professor Dr. Hallsworth. Ponus
insisted they try to reach Dr. Hallsworth at his home this evening and not
wait for the morning when the professor would likely be busy with classes.
Bill reached the professor by phone and gave a shortened version of what
had transpired that afternoon with Ponso and Dr. Anzel. Dr. Hallsworth
said he was familiar with Dr. Anzel's work in Peru but was at a loss as to
why any of them would be in Berlin wanting to see him, and if they were he
hadn't been notified of any such meeting. After asking if he could speak
with Ponso, Dr. Hallsworth soon arrived at their door.
Introductions were made and Dr. Hallsworth was obviously upset at seeing
how badly Ponso was hurt. He explained that Dr. Fassil from New York had a
reputation as a third rate archeologist and a first rate scoundrel. It was
widely rumored that most if not all of the artifacts Dr. Fassil reportedly
discovered were either stolen from other archeologist by his thugs, or
illegally purchased from thieves who removed them from archeology sites in
the dead of night.
After hearing the entire story of the incredible discovery by Dr. Anzel and
Ponus he was sure the planned meeting with him was a trap set to get
Dr. Anzel into the country and kidnap him so Dr. Fassil could force him to
reveal the whereabouts of this temple and the priceless artifacts that it
held.
Putting his head in his hands Ponso said, "Dr. Anzel will never tell
Dr. Fassil the location of the temple he will die first to protect this
valuable discovery from falling into the wrong hands.
Looking at Thomas, Bill said there must be something we can do to help save
Dr. Anzel and the keep the location of the temple secret. Dr. Hallsworth
said he would take leave from the university and fly to Peru in hope of
finding Dr. Anzel with the help of local authorities. "I could use your
help Ponso but I haven't any idea how you're going to get back to Peru
without a passport".
Benjamin said he did a quick check at the only airport in their area large
enough to handle a small jet and found that the one that had landed
yesterday had flown out late last night without filing flight plans.
The conversation quieted as the others heard Thomas on the phone arranging
for a private jet to fly them all to Peru early the next morning. Turning
to Ponso Thomas said, "you're going to have to become a piece of luggage
until we get over the Gulf of Mexico". Ponso looked totally confused as
Bill explained the need for him to hide in a large trunk marked as part of
the archeology equipment until they were safely outside of U. S. borders.
Turning to Dr. Hallsworth, Thomas said, "I hope this bit of intrigue of
smuggling Ponus out of the country isn't too much for your stomach". "If
you'd prefer to fly commercial we'll understand".
Dr. Hallsworth looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar,
"are you kidding I can hardly wait to get started, what time should I be at
the airport". "Now that I think about it, which airport?" Thomas told him
to meet us at the house by three A.M. and we'd travel together to the same
airport Dr. Fassil used to fly Dr. Anzel out of the country from.
The following morning everyone was up by three A.M. having packed
everything the night before. They were now loading what would be needed to
travel in the jungle from their truck onto the plane. Having filed flight
plans that would take them directly to Peru rather than Brazil they hoped
to gain some time on whoever had kidnapped Dr. Anzel.
Once over the Gulf of Mexico they opened the crate Ponso was in and let him
out. Laughing Luke, the pilot said it wasn't necessary to have hidden Ponso
that he understood the need to move people in and out of the country
without papers. Thomas explained the entire situation to the pilot who
said, he'd do whatever he could to help.
Sitting with Ponso who was feeling a lot better knowing they were on their
way to help Dr. Anzel, Bill asked if he thought he could find the temple
without Dr. Anzels map. "Yes I watched the Dr. draw his map and since I
was with him when we found the temple it won't be a problem for me to
retrace our steps".
Laying his hand on Ponso's leg Bill said, "you're very fond of Dr. Anzel
aren't you Ponso?" Blushing slightly and looking at his hands Ponso
knotted his head yes. Bill said, "Ponso there's no need to feel guilty
about your feelings, does Dr. Anzel know how you feel?" "He may Bill, I'm
not sure, if he is he's never shown any sign of interest other than
friendship". Smiling Bill asked Ponso if he'd ever shown Dr. Anzel any
sign of anything other than friendship".
Ponso looked at Bill questioningly as he said, "no, I'm far to shy and
Dr. Anzel is a very famous man there's no reason for him to have feelings
for me, I'm only his assistant". Laughing Bill said, "well let me see, you
have the physique of a Greed God, beautiful brown eyes with lashes about
three inches long, dark curly hair, a golden complexion, and a killer smile
with perfect pearly white teeth, I'd say that combination would attract
anyone's attention".
Ponso smiled shyly and blushed as he said, "do you really think so Bill?"
Dave and Thomas who had overheard their conversation started to laugh as
Thomas said, Ponso there isn't a man on this plane who isn't drooling over
you, your gaydar just isn't working very well.
"Gaydar?" "We'll explain later Ponso".
Thomas and Bill both noticed Ponso flashed a peek at the Pilot from under
his lashes, Thomas gave Bill a quick smile.
Winking at Brad and Gavin, the pilot said, "if Dr. Anzel doesn't want him,
I have first dibs". Surprised Gavin said, "you're gay?" Laughing Luke
said, "aren't all of us good looking guys gay", as he gave them another
wink? Brad said, "I have to admit I'm beginning to think there's a lot
more gay men in the world then the statistical ten percent". Luke replied,
"I'm sure of it". Looking at their handsome pilot Brad thought, "as hot as
you are you've probably been with more the statistical ten percent".
As if reading his mind, Luke said, "wipe that silly grin off your face
Brad, and no I haven't been with all that many man, I'm kind of a fussy guy
and I'm very careful of who I go home with". "I have to have a very strong
attraction to a man before I even make his acquaintance and then I go slow
until I get a feeling for what he's all about". "By that time the guy
usually has moved on so now you know why I haven't been with many different
men". "Having said that I have to admit I'm really attracted to Ponso".
Gavin said he thought he'd noticed some quick peeks in Luke's direction by
Ponso so the attraction just may by mutual. "I hope you're not pulling my
leg Gavin, I haven't felt the attraction I feel for him for another guy in
several years". "It was just a couple of quick under the lash peeks but
they were definitely aimed at you Luke".
"In that case I'd better rent a hanger for the plane and take a hike into
the jungle with the rest of you guys, I don't want anything to happen to
him before I get a chance to get to know him". "Luke this could be a long,
hard, and dangerous hike are you sure you want to take on an adventure like
this?" "Gavin I took on two Iraqi tours of duty, I think I can handle
myself and I keep an AK-47 hidden in the floor of this plane just in case
of an emergency, so a little extra firepower might be useful if we run into
trouble".
Brad said he thought Thomas would appreciate all the help he can find.
Landing in Lima, the jet was fueled and garaged, and three Range Rovers
were rented and packed, we were on our way by ten A.M. local time. We
followed the Inca Trail as far as Llactapata and finding safe storage for
the Rovers we loaded our back packs and headed out on foot along the
Urubamba River. According to the locals there were others who arrived only
hours before us via helicopter which landed just outside of
Qorihuayrachina. They had nearly a three hour head start, but Ponso said
the jungle is so dense and dangerous in this area that it would slow them
down considerably. He suggested we stick to the banks of the river which
would allow us to move quicker, but we'd have to keep an eye out for
animals that used the river as their water supply.
Each of us checked our weapons and followed Ponos down to the river bank
starting out in a slow jog hoping to pass Dr. Fassil's group before they
reached the temple. The wet sand banks were solid and easy to travel along
with the occasional detour around debris.
Benjamin who had agreed to remain in Berlin with Jonathan and Sparkle after
Thomas had voiced concerns for his safety was following Dr. Fassil and
Dr. Anzel. After having convinced Jonathan and Sparkle of the need to make
sure nothing happened to Thomas and his group they went invisible and
stowed away on the plane. Jonathan and Sparkle found all of this intrigue
exciting and were more than willing to join Benjamin on the adventure.
Meanwhile Thomas and their group had stopped for a ten minute rest on the
banks of the river. Larry had been chatting with Thomas and Robin when he
mentioned he was surprised that Benjamin didn't put up a bigger fuss about
being left behind. Thomas nearly choked on a bite of granola bar he was
eating as he started laughing. "You don't think for a second that those
three characters aren't here do you?"
"Larry, anytime Benjamin doesn't throw a fit for not getting his own way
you know he's already made up his mind he's going to do exactly what he's
agreed not to do". "Besides I can always feel when Ben's close by and he
was on the plane with Jonathan and Sparkle when we took off". "Since I
don't feel him close at the moment you can bet the three of them are
following after Dr. Fassil, I have no doubt we'll get a full report from
them soon".
Robin asked if Thomas was angry at Ben for lying to him about staying home.
"No, if the situation were changed I do the very same thing Robin".
"Besides when you love someone as much as I love Benjamin, it's hard to be
angry with them".
Larry said, "you're right, I know Glen, Larry, Darin and I would do the
same thing, and Brad and Gavin are completely inseparable, and you sure
wouldn`t get Bill and Dave separated if one of them was in danger".
Thomas added, "I'm not to concerned as long as Jonathan and Sparkle are
with Ben, the three of them together make a formidable force to be reckoned
with.
"I'm sure glad to hear you're not angry with us Thomas, and yes we do have
a report on Fassil and his group".
YAAAaaaaaaaaaaagh! "Sparkle you scared us half to death, how long have you
been hiding up in that tree listening?"
"Just long enough to hear you aren't angry with us, and by the way Jonathan
and I figured you were aware that we were on the plane, but we haven`t said
anything to Benjamin about it". "Why didn't you tell him?" Jonathan and I
thought we'd let him stew for a while for trying to deceive you about his
true intentions". "When you get back please let him off the hook I don't
want him worry about it". "Of course Thomas".
"I'm here to let you know Dr. Anzel managed to slow their progress by
taking them in circles until one of Fassil's goons got suspicious and
marked a tree and when we passed it for the second time I'm afraid
Dr. Anzel was roughed up pretty bad, although Benjamin kept bumping the
guys arm as he swung at Dr. Anzel causing the blow to be deflected enough
not to cause too much harm". "Plus, Jonathan has tripped Dr. Fassil at
least sixteen times along the way, the helpers he brought with him are
beginning to think he's either been drinking, or he can`t walk and chew gum
at the same time".
Having completely forgotten about the fact that Luke, Ponso, and
Dr. Hallsworth, didn't know about Benjamin, Jonathan, or Sparkle, Thomas
looked up to see the three of them sitting with their mouths open staring
at Sparkle who had dropped out of the tree like magic.
Thomas got the silliest grin on his face as he looked over at Luke and the
others as he made a very intelligent comment....."Oops!"
"I guess I have some explaining to do". Dr. Hallsworth was the first to
speak, "I say this really is becoming an adventure, and yes I believe an
explanation of how this handsome young man happened to appear out of
nowhere should be forthcoming". At hearing the word "young" Sparkle rolled
his eyes.
Thomas decided that since time was of the essence he took the short path
around a long story explaining that Benjamin was a ghost, Sparkle was a
wizard and there was another wizard who was with Benjamin called Jonathan.
Ponso and Luke looked at Sparkle, then Thomas, and then each other before
bursting into laughter. Getting up Luke said, "good story Thomas, you
should be a writer". "Now tell us what's really going on here".
"That's the long and short of it Luke, haven't time to go into it more now
we need to get moving if we're going to get to this temple Ponso has told
us about before Dr. Fassil does". Dr. Hallsworth seemed to have accepted
the story completely.
Luke reached down and took Ponso's hand helping him up as if it were as
natural as pouring him a cup of coffee. It does appear that love is
blooming between those two, even if they don't know it yet, which I`m sure
they do.
Looking around Ponso asked where Sparkle was. Bill said, "he's back with
Benjamin and Jonathan doing their best to make sure nothing more happens to
Dr. Anzel". "If you know where Dr. Fassil is why don't we just go round
them up and free Dr. Anzel?" "We don't know where Dr. Fassil is,
.....Sparkle knows where they are, and you must keep in mind they have well
armed professional killers acting as guards".
"Aren't you afraid something will happen to your friends?" "Not really
Ponso, considering Benjamin's a ghost, they can hardly kill him since he's
already dead, and Jonathan and Sparkle keep shields around themselves that
nothing can penetrate". "Besides their all invisible".
Luke and Ponso did another quick look at each other, not laughing this time
but looking dubious. Luke whispered to Ponso, "either they're all reading
from the same script or there's something really weird going on here, stay
close to me, I don't want anything happening to you". Ponso looked at Luke
with a shy smile on his face, Luke managed a quick peck on his lips causing
Ponso's eyes to almost pop out of his head. Ponso blushed but leaned into
Luke kissing him back before leading the group further along the river
bank.
Rounding a bend Ponso said, "we need to go inland from here, I believe
we're not far from the temple and with any luck we've managed to beat
Dr. Fassil to the location. Reaching an area not far from the Temple
Thomas called a halt wanting to discuss a plan for taking Dr. Fassil's
group by surprise, hoping to free Dr. Anzel without bloodshed. They
definitely had the advantage with Sparkle, Jonathan, and Benjamin causing
problems for Fassil's goons.
Dave, Bill, Larry, Robin, Glen and Darin would be inside the temple hiding
with the stone rolled back over the opening as Dr. Anzel and Ponso hand
left it. Thomas, Luke, Ponso, and Dr. Hallsworth would set up some traps
hoping Fassil's goons would be leading the group and would be the first to
be snared. Using robes to pull brances down taunt with rope loops hidden
beneath the undergrowth. All they needed was to have two or three of the
guards step into the traps pulling them high into the trees by their feet,
giving Thomas and his group time to pull Dr. Anzel to safety and send the
others scurrying into the jungle with Benjamin, Sparkle and Jonathan
putting the fear of God into them as they ran.
Unfortunately when Dr. Fassil and his group arrived they were pushing
Dr. Anzel along ahead of them. All the best laid plans can run amuck,
that's why the others were hidden inside the temple. Dr. Anzel missed the
first two traps but two of the guards stepped into them sending them flying
feet first into the air, dropping their weapons to the ground as they were
yanked off their feet. Turning to see what was happening Dr. Anzel took
off running stepping into the third trap sending him feet first high into
the air along with the thugs.
Ponso started to yell, but Thomas covered his mouth in time to muffle it.
"Ponso, Dr. Anzel might be uncomfortable but at least he's out of the line
of fine for now". Luke who was a skilled soldier shot and wounded the
third guard as he knelt and began firing into the jungle indiscriminately.
Fassil and the helpers he had brought along ran back in the direction they
had come from with Jonathan tripping him every few steps, his helpers fled
leaving him behind screaming for help as he got up and ran a few more steps
before being tripped again. The third guard was tied up, blindfolded and
his leg wound tended to.
Benjamin following Fassil and his helpers shoved the young man who was
running ahead of the rest, causing him to stumble and fall on his face.
Getting up he turned to the guy behind him and punched him in the gut
thinking he had pushed him then took off running again. The man he punched
picked up a rock and threw it hitting him in the back of the head knocking
him back into the dirt face first.
The third and forth runners were doing double time through the jungle when
Sparkle appeared in front of them scaring them half to death sending them
running backwards with one tripping over the guy laying in the dirt and the
other running headlong into the one that threw the rock. By the time
Dr. Fassil caught up to them they were all scattered about on the ground.
Fassil stopped and looked around him with sweat running down his filthy
face and his clothes torn to shreds. Waving his arms he screamed, "this is
a hell of a time for you assholes to be taking a siesta, we need to get
back to the helicopter and get the hell out of here". As the others
scrambled to their feet one of them said, "the last time I saw our pilot he
was hanging upside down about thirty feet off the ground". Fassil stopped
dead in his tracks, "oh crap, that's right, I'll have to hire another
pilot, let's get moving". With that said another of his helpers yelled,
"you have shit for brains Fassil, we're in the middle of fucking nowhere,
who are you going to hire to fly the helicopter, a couple of monkeys?"
"How dare you speak to me like that I'll have the guards slap that smartass
mouth of yours". "Yeah, well first you're going have to go back and cut
your guards down from the trees they're swinging from you simple minded
twit".
Benjamin couldn't resist one last bit of devilment as he slipped over and
slapped Dr. Fassil across the back of his head. "Who just hit me?"
"You've really lost it Fassil, there's no one near you". "One of you just
hit me". "Let's get out of here guys, we'll send someone back with a
straight jacket to get old loony-tunes". They all took off running with
Dr. Fassil hobbling along after them.
Benjamin, Jonathan, and Sparkle returned to the temple where the others had
managed to get Dr. Anzel down from the tree. He was a bit dizzy but
otherwise doing well. Ponso was hovering over him but it was
Dr. Hallsworth who seemed to have take a special interest in Dr. Anzel's
care.
Love blooms at the strangest times in the strangest places.
Benjamin blindfolded the guards that were still hanging by their feet
before cutting them down binding their hands behind their backs. The
guards were led back close enough to the village so they wouldn't get lost
before Benjamin released them. Yanking the blindfolds off they turned
looking puzzled not finding anyone near them. They made their way back to
where they left their Helicopter and found it gone. The guard who piloted
it said, "when I get my hands on Fassil I'll break his scrawny neck and
shove his head up his ass". Another guard asked, "what are we going to do
now with no transportation?"
The pilot said, "I saw a couple of old trucks around we'll steal one and
leave it in Lima". "Our jet better still be at the airport or I'll have to
kill Fassil twice, I never should have trusted that little weasel in the
first place".
Back at the temple, the other's had entered the long hall way as Dr. Anzel
pointed out the figures on the wall. Dave and Bill were as excited as
Dr. Hallsworth at seeing this newly discovered temple. Drs. Anzel and
Hallsworth were pointing and chattering like excited kids as we walked
along filled with amazement at the strange but beautiful paintings.
Once entering the largest room with the pedestal holding the glowing or
pulsating obelisk, Thomas and the others stopped dead in their tracks as
they saw the painting of the winged man standing in front of the wall
embedded with the milky way constellation.
Dr. Ansel asked what was wrong. None of them answered but rather stood
silently looking in awe at the painting of Raphael.
To be Continued:
Jason Gardham